What It Is Like Being DG
“What it was like being D.G.” – Speech to RC of SunshineBefore I answer that.
Firstly
What is the Role of The District Governor
The good book says: Your role as district governor is to further the Object of Rotary by providing leadership, motivation, and supervision to the clubs of your district.
As governor, you will work under the general supervision of the RI Board of Directors.
Our Aim: Is for the DG to sustain and increase the organization’s success by fostering success at the club level.
Your achievements as district governor will depend on the time, effort, and commitment you put into your year as governor-elect and then the year of office as DG.
District Governor Responsibilities
Your responsibilities as district governor are:
• Fostering continuity by working with past, current, and incoming district
Leader’s to support effective clubs,
• Strengthening existing clubs
• Promoting membership growth by working with district leaders and club
Presidents to establish realistic membership goals for each club in the district
• Organizing new clubs
• Supporting ‘The Rotary Foundation’ with respect to program participation
and financial contributions.
• Promoting friendly relations among the clubs and between the clubs and RI
• Conducting an official visit with each club.
• Distribution of a monthly Newsletter – Networker
• Holding a District Conference
• Conducting district meetings
– District membership seminar
– District leadership seminar
– District Rotary Foundation seminar
• Assisting the governor-elect in the planning and preparation
• Performing such other duties as the officer of RI
Well that is what we are tasked to do however meeting those requirements are somewhat difficult.
At the outset I must state that the job of DG is very demanding; and at times very difficult however, it is extremely rewarding. I would not have missed it for the world.
In the District You are the only ‘Officer of Rotary International’. At times it is quite difficult sometimes lonely when having to make many administrative management decisions required.
Full time position
Reasons why it is a great job:
•
Fellowship and cameraide with our members and in particularly each president is outstanding. A wonderful togetherness, a bond forms –common goal.
• Wanting everyone to succeed regardless of what problems or issues we face.
• Seeing the personal development of presidents and members as they gain confidence and grow in to the job
• Watching successful programs develop and get adopted by the clubs and members,
• See a good idea develop nurtured by club members,
• Helping the next generation of Rotary leaders come through.
Some highlights:
26 x Changeovers as incoming DGE. 7 as outgoing DG
2 x DG changeovers with over 400 in attendance, Melbourne Park and Crown Palladium
2x 75th Charter Anniversary – Essendon, Castlemaine
2x 50th Charter Anniversaries Bendigo South and Collingwood
Many 20th, 25th and 30th
70 club visits between late July to late October – sometimes 3meetings a day
Pauline estimated I attended over 250 events, function and meetings during the 12 months.
Very reasonable food at most venues
Chartering of the RC of Melbourne Park
Excellent training offered at Macedon Ranges and Ballarat
Outstanding Conference in March this year in Perth.
Implemented changes in the way District does it’s business
Improved the management and governance throughout the District
Relationships formed with other DG in Zone 8
Some of the toughy’s
Writing and articles every week for networker
Implementation of District programs policy
Making changes in the way we operate in New Gen in particular YEX and
Review of the DIK operations.
In Summary
An outstanding opportunity not to be missed however be prepared for anything at any time.
Enjoy it while you can because it really does come to a very sudden end
Be mindful at all times of why we are there and that is to:
Further the Object of Rotary by providing leadership, motivation, and supervision to the clubs of your district.
The Future of Rotary is in all our Hands
Thank you.
